Pressure Studies

• This experiment requires several pillows, ideally the same in size, shape and thickness. Set one pillow on a flat surface and measure its height. Stack another pillow on top of it and measure the two together. Repeat this for several pillows, recording each combined height. Once you finish stacking, measure the height of the bottom pillow and note how much it has compressed. This project demonstrates the air density and pressure of the atmosphere as you move farther from the Earth's surface. Although you can't see the air, the molecules are still affected by gravity and pulled downward.
  
  

Bernoulli's Principle

• Bernoulli's Principle explains the relationship between velocity and pressure in air movement. As the velocity increases, the pressure decreases. This helps create lift in aircraft and moves weather fronts around the globe. Demonstrate this principle with several examples. First, take a couple of two-liter bottles and lay them perpendicularly on straws. Space them about six inches apart, then use a narrow tube to blow air between the two bottles. They should move closer together as you increase the air's velocity.
  
  

Temperature and Snow

• Different conditions in the atmosphere lead to different types of snow, affected by the water content in the air. You can only to conduct this project over the course of a winter in a climate that receives regular snowfall. Record the atmosphere conditions and temperature for each sample. Use an open, empty coffee can and press it down into the snow until it reaches the ground. Cover the end of the can and turn it over so the snow remains inside. Use a ruler to measure the snow depth outside. Wait for the snow in the can to melt and measure how much water remains. Chart the ratio throughout the winter in relationship to the temperatures you recorded.
  
  

Cloud Development

• Clouds are often grouped by the layer of atmosphere in which they form. There are lower level, middle level and higher level clouds. Make a chart of which cloud types form in which layer of the atmosphere. Note which types of clouds, if any, form in more than one layer. Make sure you explain how temperature, pressure, and other properties of the layer affect the cloud's formation.